Twin Peaks

The scripture for today is Deuteronomy 8:10

Deuteronomy 8:10 When you have eaten and are full, then you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land which He has given you.

Our text for today is followed by a stern warning from the Lord: “Beware that you do not forget the LORD your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today, lest—when you have eaten and are full, and have built beautiful houses and dwell in them; and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and your gold are multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied; when your heart is lifted up, and you forget the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; who led you through that great and terrible wilderness, in which were fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty land where there was no water; who brought water for you out of the flinty rock; who fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do you good in the end—then you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.’” Deuteronomy 8:11-17

When they were in distress and helpless under the yoke of oppression, the children of Israel cried out to God. God heard their cries and had pity on them and sent them a strong deliverance. He worked mighty wonders in Egypt and brought them out with a powerful hand. But God knew that there was evil lurking in the hearts of the people and that as soon as they were settled into the comforts of what God had provided, their inclination would be to turn away from God and take credit themselves for their prosperity. He warned them in advance so that they would be fully informed and not fall into this deception of the enemy, turning them away from God.

This has been a pattern, unfortunately, not just among the children of Israel, but among others as well. We cry out to God when we are in distress, but when the crisis passes and we feel comfortable in our prosperity, we take the credit ourselves for being brave, tenacious, and hardworking. Where was God? He was there when we cried out to Him. He was there when we needed Him. He was there to take us by the hand and even carry us when we could not walk. He was there all the time; He brought us through. We did not as a nation, as a people, as a church, as individuals, rescue ourselves. We did not win the battle on our own. We were totally dependent upon the mercy of Almighty God. He alone is to be praised and glorified for His goodness to us. Through glorifying Him and giving Him praise, we acknowledge our dependence upon Him and our hearts rejoice in knowing that He who has delivered us in the past will deliver us again.

God bless you as you continue in His service.

Tim